Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things…

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” Robert Brault

Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things... A warm smile

Recently, I was at a sports store buying barbells for my exercise routine. The case was quite heavy and although the young lady who helped me was professional and friendly, it was more than she could handle. A young man on line stepped forward and offered to help me take it to my car; a simple gesture to help another soul. It got me thinking about how the little things make our lives run smoothly and help us maintain a cheerful spirit… For 2012, in addition to staying inspired, writing, and increasing my technical know-how, I’d like to continue to appreciate the little things in life. In this post, I’ll share 12 little things I am grateful for… Hopefully with pictures too.

♥ A helpful gesture
♥ A warm smile

It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen. John Wooden

Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things… Sunny day high in the Bohinj Mountains

I stepped outside today on my way to the gym and it was a warm and sunny day. Here we are in the middle of fall; November no less, and we have gorgeous days that remind us of spring… For that I am grateful.

♥ A sunny day
♥ A leisurely walk on the Aqueduct and the joy of a Zumba class

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” Arthur Conan Doyle

Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things… a morning cup of tea

Whenever I have a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, I say a prayer of gratitude that my drink is made with fresh water and that I am able to boil my water with electricity; simple things that become huge when we weigh how they are perceived in countries where my simple pleasure is not always available…

When I started blogging in late 2008, I had no idea where it would go or if anyone would read it. I loved the process and knew I’d stay committed to my craft. Fast forward to 2011 and I am grateful for the connections made and the generosity of those who stop by to read, look, comment, like or even silently send their appreciation… Seemingly a little thing but massive in my heart. Thank you! There’s always more below 😉

♥ A call from a friend
♥ Visits, comments and likes from blog friends

“If you add a little to a little and do this often, soon the little will become great.” Hesiod

Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things... Nneka makes great music

Anyone who drives in Manhattan knows that free street parking is both difficult to find and expensive if you end up parking in the wrong spot. The tickets start at $65 and go up from there. Whenever I’m in the city, I try to find an inexpensive garage but sometimes aim for the street when that option means a convenient spot close to my destination… Playing/listening to great music helps. Whenever I find a legal, free spot, it is a blissful blessing…

♥ Music playing in the car
♥ A parking spot close to my destination

“Why not learn to enjoy the little things — there are so many of them.” Author Unknown

Inspiration: Appreciating The Little Things... laughter is both healing and contagious...

Over the weekend, I was at the check-out counter at my local supermarket. The check out clerk, Cheryl, tried to help me with an item that was marked incorrectly. she was gracious and kind and after many attempts, I had to take it to the customer service counter. As I walked out the store after the matter was resolved, she smiled, waved and said, “Have a blessed day!” I felt blessed too. My kids think I am funny; in a zany, kind of eccentric way. I milk it for all it’s worth and say/do things to make them laugh… their laughter gives me joy.

♥ A kind word
♥ A good laugh with my kids

Stay Inspired! What about you? What are your thoughts? What little things are you appreciative of? Where do you find inspiration when you are tired? What does gratitude mean to you? Do share! Thank you. 🙂

This post was inspired by The Happiness Workshop and a prompt from WP Daily Post: What skill would you most like to learn in 2012?

Positive Motivation Tip: All great ideas begin as a little flicker in the mind, all great things begin small. Cherish the little things…

I love your blog….This post was inspired by The Happiness Workshop and a prompt from WP Daily Post: What skill would you most like to learn in 2012? I would love to learn so much so this one is hard to answer. You did such a great job.

I’m wonderfully inspired! And thanks so much for saying this: ” My kids think I am funny; in a zany, kind of eccentric way. I milk it for all it’s worth and say/do things to make them laugh… their laughter gives me joy.” I think that is the key to mothering! We have to keep our senses of humors. 🙂

I, too, am inspired by smiles and by a kind word shared when none need have been spoken. On the TMiYC Facebook page yesterday, I got a comment that was so beautiful, it left me at a loss for words. And yet, I found some, to encourage people to say sweet words even if they feel awkward doing so. That one action leads to a ripple effect of sweetness that can’t be understood wholly from the moment of action. ♥

Small is indeed big, or as we say in photography (and many other places too, but I am a photographer): Less is more. Thanks for your thoughts about the small pleasures of life that are so important. I can pick up every item on you list and make them mine – except maybe the parking wish – which is of less importance to me. Otherwise I would add, being woken up by a kiss by your love ones. Spending time in mother nature. Finally I just want to add that your pictures are truly gorgeous.

I’ve come to appreciate those helpful gestures from strangers. My arthritis has gotten bad enough that I can no longer lift luggage to the overhead in a plan. Thank goodness for the kindness of strangers.

So true Elizabeth… the little things truly do matter. I was also extremely grateful for the beautiful fall day we had yesterday and being able to walk to a museum with my friend, have a leisurely lunch and reconnect. Nothing big, nothing expensive, just a lot of little things that came together for a perfect fall day.
Thanks!
b

I so love this..since everything that we have been through my mind now works like a camera capturing snapshots of inspirational moments, moments of gratitude and movements that I know I want to hold on to. It’s truly magical when you can shift your brain to find these things big and little. So thank you for this post…it’s perfect!

I enjoyed reading this post. You made some good points and I love reading the quotes you share with every post. What really got me is where you said where do you find inspiration when you’re tired? I was just having a talk with a friend about my blog even though I was in the hospital awhile back I did my blog to help me but I love that it can touch anyone left while I’m going through my ordeal. BE inspiration to someone. Good post, ty for sharing. I’m still trying to figure out the daily post. God Bless 🙂

This certainly ties is nicely with the previous article – it is certainly the little things in life that count, but some are not quite to little – for instance, having clean water for the coffee is really a very big thing when you think of the enormous infrastructure behind that water.

I find that a lot actually, that the “little” things/moments in life are in fact the “big” ones. And that the “simple” things are the in fact most important. Which is really nice, because those are actually the things that most people get the opportunity to experience and enjoy. 🙂

Living alone for almost a decade has made me hyper aware of the little things, probobly because there are no big things, unless I make them happen. But its true, a nice cup of tea, a clean house, clean sheets, a good conversation, holding hands with someone I care about, or someone I have met and who has decided to trust me (ok, this is a big one), take care of someone or being taken care of … These are some of the things that I appreciate. Blessings to all those touching my life with these simple little things!

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” A lot of beautiful thoughts to reflect and keep. One day on by birthday my wife asked me, ” what do you want for your birthday?” I replied , “don’t buy me anything. All I could ever want is in front of me.” My wife just smiled. When I see my son smile , laugh and have the best of times, I feel blessed that I am given moments like this to cherish and remember. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. Have a great weekend.